Most Important Skill To Master!

Having a large breed dog is great! But with all the fun comes added responsibility. Most dog owners want a well trained dog. In order to have that most of us believe that we must "teach dog obedience". In part that is true. What is more important however is to teach yourself how a dog thinks.

With that being understood. Let approach the most important skill you can master with your dog. If you haven't guessed already - It's the "COME command".

Why is this the most important command? I'm glad you asked. Simply put - Liability. Well, Liability and safety.

In today's day and age, the dog owner is liable for damages incurred as a result of a dogs actions. This can devastate your financial life and/or have your dog seized in some jurisdictions. In addition, having your dog (a 150 pound Bullmastiff) run away barrelling down the street toward an unsuspecting citizen is bad news all around.

So how do you ensure your dog comes when you call? Here are some common pitfalls dog owners make when training a dog:

• Scolding the dog when it returns upon your command. The pooch thinks "Why am I coming back at all if this is the reception that I get?" Instead, always remember to praise her despite the aggravation.

• Not being excited enough is usually cause for the pup to lose interest and not come in the first place. Be excited! Use your Aunt Gertrudes voice and say "Oh my precious... You're the best nephew.. uh... doggie in the whole wide world." This will stimulate the dogs curiosity and have it coming to your direction. Once there praise, praise and more praise. A small treat works like magic too!

• Confusing the dog with "Come boy, Come here!, Why don't you come?" can negate your efforts. You must use the COME command solely when first starting out. Your voice intonation is VERY important as well. Be friendly and excited. Use a higher pitch. A deeper voice can mimick the sound of an angry pack leader and this will make the dog unsure of your intentions. Avoid misconstruing your intention. Let your pup know that she will receive all kinds of love when she comes to the sound of your voice.

The message here is to be patient with large breed dog training. Break the skill into steps and repeat. Remember be consistent. Share the importance of consistency with others that are attempting to train the dog. Mixed signals will only confuse and slow the training. Good luck!

Enjoy your life with your dog and have it's RESPECT!

Dog lover by nature.